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The Citizen, 1999-04-07, Page 7THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7, 1999. PAGE 7. Seminar attracts large number of gun enthusiasts Detective Staff Sergeant Wayne Ferri spoke to a full house last week at Winthrop Church as more than 75 people gathered to hear about the current and upcoming changes to firearm laws. By Janice Becker Citizen staff The Winthrop Church basement overflowed with interested citizens, March 30, when an OPP officer spoke on firearms law, both current and soon to be implemented. Detective Staff Sergeant Wayne Ferri, a 30-year veteran of the force, who was recently put in charge of the regional firearms office, spoke to approximately 75 people regarding the various licences, applications and regula­ tions governing firearms. For both the possession and acquisition (P/A) and just posses­ sion licences, the holder must be at least 18-years-old. News Graeme Worsell who has won numerous speaking contests, will be speaking in a special one in New York. Everyone is congratulating him on his numerous awards and wishing him the best in the upcoming one. For the P/A the applicant must have successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and depending on the designation, , may acquire either non-restricted, or non-restricted, restricted (hand­ guns) and prohibited firearms. It is similar to the FAC, which many gun owners now hold, with the exception of the course require­ ment. This is the only licences which allows the acquisition of additional firearms, he said. Non-residents may acquire this licence and anyone selling, trading or giving a gift should ensure the receiver has the appropriate licence. The possession licence is avail­ able only to Canadian residents and AuburnTtie news from Compiled by Kay Lapp is aimed at those who already own firearms and have no intention of purchasing others. This is available until Jan. 1, 2001. Both licences are effective for five years. When questioned on the course costs, Ferri said he did not know where the money was spent and instructors set their own fees. A Minor's Possession Licence can be acquired by anyone under 18 to the age of 12. Ferri said this has always been the case. Minors cannot own or acquire and cannot use a restricted or pro­ hibited firearm. Conditions are nor­ mally attached to the licence. The only exception to this law is where the firearm is used in rela- Phone 526-7264 lion to hunting as a way of life, such as with natives running trap­ ping lines, said Ferri. Non-residents may obtain a 60- day possession licence for hunting or club shoots. It can be applied for by the appli­ cant or on behalf of someone. It is only for non-restricted and there is no need for a course. Attendees also were given sever­ al reasons why applications could be refused or might warrant further investigation. Ferri said the new process is sup­ posed to streamline the acceptance of applications, letting those with no criminal records or "red flags" get their permits more quickly. Pre­ viously, all applications must be reviewed by the police. The new system will put up warning signs for applicants which may have circumstances which could preclude them from owning a gun. These cases will then be investigated by the police. The first flags would be raised if the applicant had a criminal record or had been charged with a violent offense within the last five years,whether convicted or dis­ charged. Circumstances which would be investigated include violence, threatening or attempting harm, harassment, stalking, drug or sub­ stance abuse or mental illness asso­ ciated with violence. When questioned on the number of drug pushers who have just never been caught and could there­ fore acquire a gun, Ferri said "noth­ ing is perfect. There are cracks and holes." Ferri also heard comments that the licence fees should be used to put more manpower into doing his­ tory checks and that the police should be taken as much out of the system as possible. Asked if he thought the new laws would reduce crime, he said, "I don’t think so." All the laws are geared for "con­ sideration of public safety," he said. In detailing the circumstances for the revocation of a licence, the list included the holder no longer being eligible, where they had never been eligible but had gotten through the system, conditions of the licence were contravened or they were found guilty of an offense. When a firearm licence is revoked, Ferri said it must be dis­ posed of within 30 days, whether through a sale or turning it in to police. In cases where there is an appeal to the revocation, the 30-day period does not stand. In any case of a revocation, the holder must be notified in person, by registered mail, courier or fax and reasons must be given. When a licence is applied for, all spouses, both current and former, are informed al least 15 days prior to issuance. There is also an authorization required to transport and carry firearms. Regulations setting out prohibit­ ed firearms have listed a 25 calibre handgun, 32 calibre, and guns with barrels less than four inches or 104 millimetres. The exception with the 32 is when it is used in international shoot competitions. Sawed off shotguns with barrels less than 660 mm, automatics and firearms with barrels less than 457 mm and are equal to or greater than 660 mm in overall length are also prohibited. There is an amnesty for the rest of 1999 to allow owners of these prohibited firearms to modify, transfer or sell them. Several in the crowd were dis­ pleased with the options offered them for prohibited firearms and those now on the list. One man cited antique guns which do not meet new regulations and was concerned that his life­ long hobby of collecting guns had become worthless because he could not sell them in Canada. His only market was in the United States. People questioned when the "lit­ tle guys stop paying." Ferri said he is not a strong sup­ porter of the government nor is he a gun collector but everyone has to work within the law. The session also dealt with cus­ toms declarations, crossbow acqui­ sition, business licences and verifiers. More in depth information can be obtained by calling 1-800-731- 4000 or through the federal govern­ ment's web page. Londesboro joins Knox for service o Londesboro United Church joined Auburn for Good Friday service on April. 2. Soloist, Christa Hewitt, Belgrave sang The Old Rugged Cross. She was accompanied by her father. Scripture was read on Christ's death and the candles were extinguished except the seventh, which burns to symbolize Jesus’ victory over death. For this the soloist sang Amazing Grace. Closing scripture was from Isaiah regarding Jesus carrying our burdens and that He will always be respected. The closing hymn was Were You There? followed by a silent period before leaving. Gordon and Bernice Gross welcomed ail to Knox United for Easter Service on April 4. Rev. Paul Ross spoke on coming events. Bible Study begins on Tuesday, April 6 at 1:30 p.m. and a discussion group at 7:30 p.m. at Londesboro United. SongFest will be at Londesboro at 7:30 p.m. on April 11. The Junior choir sang We Have a King. Each child received three stickers with a Bible verse on it. As they went to their respective classes the children's chorus was sung. Scripture was from Colossians 3. Paul, the apostle, spoke of God's presence. Second lesson was about the reaction of people on finding Christ's tomb empty. Rev. Ross continued with "Easter Dreams" speaking following the path laid by Christ's life and death. "He died that we might live," he said. Offering was received by Bernice Gross and her son followed by offertory prayer and the doxology. Nancy Park was the organist for the day and Shelley Worsell the conductor of the junior choir. Country Supper will be held at the church this Wednesday evening. People Tom Cunningham has been transferred back to Clinton Public Hospital from London. He is still very ill. Limited visiting only is allowed. Walter Cunningham from the west is visiting here now. Notice Of Change Hospital Medical Clinic For those patients without a family doctor. Q. (0 O The Clinic will be open on Tuesday Afternoons from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. and EVERY WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Please bring all medications with you. For Appointments: Please call the hospital switchboard (357-3210) who will direct your call. Appointments may be made Monday to Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. Location: At North end of first floor corridor. Please follow signs to clinic. 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